Adjustable stanchion



May 22, 1962 c. R. FREEMAN ADJUSTABLE STANCHION Filed OCL. l2, 1959invasa-rosa CARL FREE y AN United States Patent C 3,035,708 ADJUSTABLESTANCHION Carl R. Freeman, 1237 W. 47th St., Chicago, Ill. Filed Oct.12, 1959, Ser. No. 845,822 8 Claims. (Cl. 211-86) This invention relatesin general to supports and, more particularly, to an adjustablestanchion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a stanchion for usein holding towel rings, clothes hooks, and other accessories, whichstanchion can be mounted in a room to extend from floor to ceilingtherein with the opposite ends of the stanchion abutting both floor andceiling and is adjustable in accordance with the room height.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a stanchion ofthe type stated including an outer sleeve of polygonal cross-sectionhaving slots along the length thereof so that towel rings or the likecan be removably clipped to the sleeve at any desired position thereon.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a stanchionof the type stated in which rod members are telescoped Vwith the sleeveand project outwardly from opposite ends thereof to support the sleevein spaced relation to the oor and ceiling, the rod members being securedwithin the sleeve in spaced relation to the walls thereof to allowclearance for the towel ring clip which projects through one of theslots in the sleeve.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide astanchion of the type stated wherein the rod members can be quickly andeasily attached to the sleeve at the slots therein in a number ofselected positions, enabling the stanchion to be readily assembled to aselected height without the use of any tools.

lt is another object of the present invention to provide a stanchion ofthe type stated which can be mounted almost anywhere in a room andoccupy a minimum of space therein.

The attainment of the above and further objects of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawing forming a part thereof.

In the drawing:

FIG. l is an elevational view of an adjustable stanchion constructed inaccordance Awith and embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional View thereof;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views taken along lines 3 3 and 4-4 of FlG.2; and

FIG. is an elevational view and showing the manner in which twostanchions are used to support shelves therebetween.

Like reference numerals designate -ke parts throughout the drawings.

Referring now in more detail to the drawing which illustrates apreferred embodiment of the present invention, A designates a stanchioncomprising a sleeve 1 of heavy gauge sheet metal formed into polygonalcrosssection by bending the metal so that the opposite longitudinaledges abut each other in the provision of seam 2. In the presentembodiment of the invention the sleeve 1 is of regular hexagonalcross-section with sides 3. Each of the six sides 3 is punched along thelength thereof to provide equally spaced slots 4, the slots 4 in theadjacent sides 3 being staggered or offset from each other as best seenin FIG. l.

Provided for removable insertion within one open end 5 of the sleeve 1is a rod 6 one end of which has an enlarged pad 7 for contacting a floorsurface f. The rod 6 is of a diameter substantially smaller than that ofthe distance between opposed sides 3 ofthe sleeve 1 so that ice when therod 6 is coaxial with the sleeve 1 there will be clearance spacetherebetween. A U-shaped channel 8 is used for securing the rod 6 withinthe sleeve 1. This channel 8 has spaced parallel legs 9, 19 the edges ofwhich are welded as at 11, 12 to the outer surface of the rod 6 and thechannel 8 extends from the inner end of the rod along a small portion ofthe length thereof. The channel 8 also has a bight 13 from which areoutwardly struck a pair of clips 14 adapted to project through two ofthe slots 4 on one of the sides 3 and be ush against the outer surfaceof the side 3. The distance between the outer edges of the clips 14 andthe remote edge of the rod 6 (i.e. the distance from a to b, FIG. 4) isless than the distance between two opposite sides 3 so that when theclips 14 are withdrawn from the slots 4 there will be sulhcientclearance for the rod 6 and channel 8 to move freely within the sleeve1.

Also within the sleeve 3 but spaced from the rod 6 is a cylindricalsocket 15 having an end Wall 16. The socket 15 has a channel 17 runninglengthwise therealong and welded thereto at the legs 18, 19 in the samemanner as are the legs 9, 10 welded to the rod 6. Similarly, the bight2) 0f the channel 17 is struck outwardly to form spaced clips 21,similar to the clips 14, 14 previously described, and are also adaptedto project through a pair of slots 4 in one of the sides 3. The bight 20ts hush against the inside surface of the side 3 upon which it ismounted, and the clips 21 are disposed tlush against the outside surfaceof the side 3. The socket 15 is thus held in spaced relation to thesides 3. The distance between the outer edges of the clips 21 and remotesurface of the socket 15 (i.e. the distance from a to 17, FIG. 3) isless than the distance between a pair of opposed sides 3. Therefore,when the clips 21 are withdrawn from the slots 4 there will besufficient clearance between the channel 17 and socket 15 to permitthese parts to be withdrawn from or inserted into the open end 22 of thesleeve 1.

Slidably mounted within the socket 15 and projected outwardly throughthe open end 22 is a rod 23 having a pad 23 at one end thereof forcontacting the room ceiling c. The end of the rod within the socket 15bears against a cool compression spring 24 which rests on the end wall16 and biases the rod 23 outwardly toward the ceiling c. The force ofthe spring 24 is sullciently great to urge the pads 7, 23 into firmcontact with the floor and ceiling c respectively, so that the entirestanchion A is sturdy and immobile.

The stanchion A is generally shipped in a knockeddown condition with thesleeve 1 separate from the rod 6, socket 15 and rod 23. However, inassembling the stanchion A the spring 24 may be placed within the socket15, whereupon the rod 23 is fitted within the socket 15. When the rod 23is placed within the socket 15 the two are then placed through the openend 22 of the sleeve 1, this operation preferably being done with thesleeve 1 substantially horizontal. The rod 23 is used to move the sleeve15 with the channel 17 thereon to a desired position depending upon thedistance between the floor f and ceiling c, whereupon the channel bight20 is pushed against the inside of one of the sides 3. Upon furtheraxial movement of the rod 22 the clips 21 will pass through a pair ofspaced slots 4 and lock the channel 17 to the sleeve 1.

The rod 6 with the channel 8 is then placed through the open end 5 ofthe sleeve 1 until the pad 7 is at a desired distance outwardly from theopen end 5. At this place the bight 13 is moved against one of the sides3 and the rod 6 shifted axially upwardly until the clips 14 projectthrough a pair of spaced slots 4. The sleeve 1 may then be grasped withone hand and the rod 6 with the other, and the stanchion A swung to anearly vertical position so that the pad 23 touches the ceiling c. Anupward force may then be applied to compress the spring 24 and permitthe stanchion A to be shifted to a truly vertical position with the pad7 clearing the door f a small distance. The upward force on thestanchion A may then be released, lowering the sleeve 1 and allowing thepad 7 to contact the oor f firmly. If, whenV the spring 2-4 iscompressed its full amount, the pad 7 is extended out `too far from thesleeve 1 to permit the stanchion A to be shifted to a truly verticalposition, then it is merely necessary to withdraw the rod 6 axiallyalong the sleeve 1 until the clips 14 are free of the slots 4, whereuponthe clips 14 may be reinserted in another pair of slots 4 to shorten theamount the rod 6 extends outwardly from the open end of the sleeve 1. Onthe other hand, if the spring 24 exerts insucient force on the rod 23 tohold the stanchion rigidly between the door f and ceilingc, thestanchion A may be swung downwardly to a position in which the open end5 is at a slightly higher elevation than the open end 21, whereupon theclips 21` can be withdrawn from the slots 4 and the channel 17 andsocket 15 moved toV a position closer to the open end 21. Then the clips21 may 'bek reinserted intoV another pair of slots 4. The rod 23 maythen be moved axially to compress the spring 24 so that the stanchioncan be shifted to a vertical position whereupon the rodV 23Y may bereleased allowing the pad 23 to bear snugly against the ceiling c.

Y When the stanchion is in the mounted position shown a' towelbar 25,`towel ring 26l or towel ring 27 maybemounted upon the sleeve 1 in anyvertical position thereon and upon -any side 3. For example, as shownin- FIG. 2, the towel ring 26 has` a bracket 28 wi th a depending flange.29, thevl'atter lbeing adapted to` tu'sh againstany one of the sides3'.. The ange 2Q is s truckoutwardly to form a clipv 30 which projectsthrough one of the slots 4 and lies along the inside surface of the side3'.l The towel ring 2'7 may also be clipped to the sleevel I arid in thesame manner as is the towel lring 27. Thus,.thetovvelV ring 27 ismounted on a1 cylindrical sleeve 31 which is `struck inwardly to form aclip 32 which projectsv throughany one of the slots 4. The towel bar 25is similarly clipped in place. Consequently, the towel bars or rings 25,26, 27 may be mounted on the sleeve 1 any convenient height above thedoor f and on any of the sides 3. By reasonof the fact that the rod 6,sleeve 15' and rod 23 are spaced from the sides 3, there is ample roomfor the clips 34), 32, irrespective of where the towel rings 26, 27 ortowel bar 25 are mounted on the sleeve 1, except in the region whereinthe bight 8, 17 are ush against `a side 3. Furthermore, a polygonalshape of the r sleeve 1 forms at surfaces which provide a firm supportfor the anges 29 of the bracket 2Sl and brackets similar thereto.

FG. 5 shows a pair of stanchions of the presentY invention each beingused to support the opposite ends of adjustable Shelves 33, 34 and toform a room divider. Each of the shelves 33, 34 have anges 35 at theiropposite ends, and the anges may each be formed with spring clips suchas that shown at 30 and 32. Consequently, theV shelves 33, 34 can besupported at any convenient height above the :door f.

It will be lapparent that the stanchion of the present invention may -beused as ya support for a wide variety of objects. For example, lamps,mirrors, shelves, planters,

' and the like may be clipped onto the sleeve 1 in the same manner asare the towel-rings 26, 27.

In compliance with the requirements of the patent statutes l have hereinshown and described -a preferred embodiment of the invention. It is,however, to be understood that the invention is not limited to theprecise construction herein shown, the same being merely illustrativeofthe principles of the invention. What isvconsidered new and desired tobe secured by Letters atent is:

l; A stanchion comprising a sleeve open at its opposite ends-and havinga plurality ofperforations spacedalong the length thereof for receivingsupports which are adapted to be carried by the sleeve, a rod withinsaid sleeve and projecting outwardly through one end thereof, means forsecuring the rod to the sleeve to hold the rod in spaced relation to thesleeve, a socket-forming member within the sleeve adjacent the other endthereof, means projecting through a pair of longitudinally spacedperforations for securing the socket-forming member in the sleeve inspaced relation thereto, a rod slidable within said socket-formingmember, and spring means 4within said socket-forming member for biasingsaid last mentioned rod outwardly through the other open end of thesleeve.

2. A stanchion comprising a sleeve polygonal in crosssection and open atits opposite ends, said sleeve having means on the sides thereof andspaced along the length of the sleeve for receivingV supports which areadapted to be carried by the sleeve, elongated means within the sleeveand projecting outwardly one through each open end of the sleeve, eachsaid elongated means being spacedv from the walls ofY said sleeve, andmeans-connected to each elongated means and the sleeve and in lockingrelationship with the means on the sides of the sleeve for securing theelongated means in xed` position within the sleeve, one of saidelongated means having the part thereof which extends. outwardly throughthe openend adjustable to vary the overall height of the stanchion.

3. Ar stanchion comprising a sleeve polygonal in crosssection and openatits opposite ends, said sleeve having; means on the sides thereof andspacedv along the lengtlr of the sleeve for receiving supports which areadapted to' be carried by the sleeve, elongated means within the4sleevefl and projecting outwardly one through each open end off thesleeve, each said elongated means being spaced from the walls of saidsleeve, and means attached to the clon# gated means and tting flushagainst the inside of one: wall ofthe-sleeve and projecting throughopenings in the? sleeve for securing the elongated means inpositionwithiu the sleeve.

4.- A stanchion according to claim 2 wherein the means for receivingLthe supports on one side of the sleeve are` staggered with respect tothe means on the adjacent side.

5. A stanchion comprising a sleeve polygonal in crosssection and open atitsl opposite ends,-said sleeve having perforations on the sides thereofand spaced along the length of the sleeve for receiving supports whichare adapted to be carried by the sleeve, a rod within the sleeve andprojecting outwardly through one open end thereof, said rod clearing thewalls of the sleeve, means connected to the rod and projecting throughsome of the perforations in said sleeve for securing the rod in xedposition within the sleeve, a socket within the sleeve adjacent theother end thereof, means connected to the socket and projecting throughsome of the perforations in the sleeve for securing the socket in fixedposition within the sleeve, a rod telescoped within the socket, andspring means for biasing the last-mentioned rod outwardly through saidother open end of the sleeve.

6. A stanchion according to claimV 5 Ywherein each off the meansprojects through the sleeve at a selected pair` of spaced perforationswhereby the fixed positions of the; rod and socket within the sleeve canbe adjusted.

7. A stanchion adapted to extend from a oor to a. ceiling, saidstanchion comprising a tubular metallic sleeve having a plurality ofcircumferentially spacedrows of holes on its outer periphery with theholes of each rowk being spaced along the length of said sleeve forselectively receiving supports to be carried by said sleeve, anelongated member telescoped within the Sleeve and having a part thereofprojecting outwardly from one end of the sleeve, said member beingshiftable axially within said tubular sleeve, meansfor initiallyadjusting the position of said member within the sleeve to selectinitially the length of said part thereof which projects outwardly fromsaid one end, said adjusting means comprising means in the sleevesupporting the elongated member and having elements projecting through aplurality of the holes in the sleeve, said last mentioned plurality ofholes being spaced apart along the length of said sleeve, a padconnected to said elongated member at the end thereof remote from saidsleeve, means projecting outwardly the other end of said tubular sleeveand having a pad, said pads serving to contact the floor and ceilingrespectively, and spring means within said sleeve for ybiasing theelongated member in a direction outwardly from said one open end andtransmitting pressure to said pads to hold them firmly against the oorand ceiling.

8. In combination, a stanchion adapted to extend from a floor to aceiling, said stanchion comprising a tubular metallic sleeve having aplurality of circumferentially spaced rows of holes on its outerperiphery with the holes of each row being spaced along the length ofsaid sleeve for selectively receiving supports to be carried by saidsleeve, an elongated member telescoped within the sleeve and having apart thereof projecting outwardly from one end of the sleeve, saidmember being shiftable axially within said tubular sleeve, means forinitially adjusting the poistion of said member within the sleeve toselect initially the length of said part thereof which projectsoutwardly from said one end, said adjusting means comprising means inthe sleeve supporting the elongated member and having elementsprojecting through a plurality of the holes in the sleeve, said lastmentioned plurality of holes being spaced apart along the length of saidsleeve, a pad connected to said elongated member at the end thereofremote from said sleeve, means projecting outwardly the other end ofsaid tubular sleeve and having a pad, said pads serving to contact thefloor and ceiling, spring means within said sleeve for biasing theelongated member in a direction outwardly from said one open end andtransmitting pressure to said pads to hold them lirmly against the oorand ceiling, and a bracket having a part thereof projecting through oneof said holes and another part thereof extending radially outwardly ofsaid sleeve to constitute an article support, said bracket beingremovably mounted on said sleeve.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,221,205 Moore Apr. 3, 1917 1,820,950 Schulstadt Sept. 1, 19312,051,420 Renholdt Aug. 18, 1936 2,222,527 Boughter Nov. 19, 19402,312,985 Bales Mar. 2, 1943 2,350,113 Hurley May 30, 1944 2,748,261Wolar May 29, 1956 2,892,647 ONeill June 30, 1959 2,903,227 Key f Sept.8, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 319,066 Great Britain Sept. 19, 1929 429,863France July 28, 1911

